Traverse City Travel Blog

There is no better place to ring in the New Year than the coastal community of Traverse City.

Kick 2025 off to a magical start in the town’s picturesque, cozy setting. With so many ways to celebrate in the TC area, you’ll be sure to maximize holiday cheer.

With so many incredible destinations all across northern Michigan, Benzie County flies a bit under the radar. Many Michiganders don’t know about all the wintry joy that awaits in the collection of laid-back lakeshore communities southwest of Traverse City. 

What you’ll discover when you visit is an assortment of attractions that make Benzie County an amazing place this time of year. It’s home to one of Michigan’s best ski resorts with Crystal Mountain and offers some of the best winter hiking in America’s most beautiful place, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s where you can find several charming lake towns and Michigan’s first farm distillery, too. 

There is one bear where hibernation is not part of an annual hibernation ritual: the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many people don’t realize that the National Lakeshore is open year-round. Word to the wise: if you miss a visit in winter, you are missing out on a remarkable experience. 

As the festive season approaches, communities come alive with an array of holiday events, creating a magical tapestry of joy and celebration. Whether it's cozying up with loved ones at a local restaurant, or attending a grand community celebration, these events have a little something everyone will love.

In October 1870, Jerome Pratt climbed the then-new Mission Point Lighthouse again and again – documenting 69 ships throughout the month in his “Record of Passing Vessels.” Chances are that each time the original lighthouse keeper scaled the heights of the tower during that first full month on duty, he also saw some spectacular fall color.

So much has changed over the past 154 years, yet Mission Point Lighthouse today bears a strong resemblance to what Pratt encountered during his 7-year stint. That includes the stunning scenery of fall.

“There’s an excellent view from the tower,” said Ginger Schultz, manager of Mission Point Lighthouse. “It’s very cool up there.”

Mission Point Lighthouse is among a handful of historic beacons in the Traverse City area that each are worth a visit this fall. And when you come to spend a few days on a tour, you can spend the night at some of Michigan’s most historical places to stay.

Take a closer look at the lighthouses of the Traverse City area and nearby places to stay:

Ah, fall colors. Apple cider. Pumpkin spice.

The best time of year has arrived! Come share the season with your pup in the Traverse City area.

TC is full of pet-friendly restaurants and things to do, with more than a few trails where you and your canine companion can see the changing leaves in all their glory, too.

You can’t get Short’s Brewing innovations such as Pumpkincrusha on Nitro or the Cozy Blanket American porter in the store or at your local bar.

But you can come to taste it all this fall during Traverse City Beer Week. The annual celebration of northern Michigan brews returns Nov. 8-16 with drink specials – and special, experimental beers – at craft breweries all over the Traverse City area. 

Love wine tasting? Then stay right at the vineyard. Looking forward to your tee time? Book a room on the golf course.

The Traverse City area has more amenities and more lodging options than anywhere else in northern Michigan, so it’s easy to find the perfect place to hang out for a few days while enjoying your favorite things to do. If you’re a beach bum, you can find a spot on the water. If you’re a foodie, you can grab a room right downtown within walking distance of many unique restaurants. And if you can’t wait to get out on the trail, you can reserve a cottage right in the midst of Mother Nature. 

Whatever your reason for skipping out on it, it shouldn’t feel like a chore to ask the bartender to nix the alcohol in your drink. However an establishment may refer to them – mocktails, N/A, virgin - these top spots provide dedicated non-alcoholic options with pride, proving that great taste and creativity shine above all else, even without the booze. Don't fret If you're more of a beer or wine type, the N/A philosophy has seeped into all forms of beverage.

’Tis the season for fall color! Experience the magic of a fall foliage tour right here in Traverse City. With incredible hues of reds and oranges, the drive is a sight to behold. The orchards, vineyards, forests, and villages create a beautiful landscape that highlights the meaning of fall.